Robert "Bob" Anthony Iurato

robert

November 6, 1957 ~ July 11, 2021

Born in: Hackensack, NJ
Resided in: Fletcher, NC

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Robert “Bob” Anthony Iurato, 63, of Fletcher, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021.

A native of Hackensack, NJ, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Levio and Dorothy Zeunert Iurato; his wife Tracy Basten Iurato and his brother, Michael Iurato.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Madison Jennings Iurato and Alexandra “Lexi” Michael Iurato; his mother-in-law, JoAnn Basten; two sisters-in-law, Amy Hanks, her husband Neal and their family and Jill Sonka, her husband, Michael and their family, as well as Bob’s girlfriend, Michele Steppe and her children.

Bob worked in the food and beverage industry for over 40 years in NJ, NY and NC. A true “people-person”, Bob’s outgoing demeanor, warm smile and gift of never forgetting a face led to countless friendships throughout his life. Bob was a connoisseur of food and was recently able to fulfill his dream of restaurant ownership when he founded Iurato’s Pizzeria in South Asheville. He loved dancing and the Green Bay Packers, but above all else was his love of family and friends, especially his two daughters.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 18 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian and will be officiated by Pastor Kelvin Moseley. The service will be streamed live via Groce Funeral Home’s Facebook page (facebook.com/grocefh). Bob’s family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family graciously asks that memorial gifts be made to a trust which has been established for Madison and Lexi. If you would like to give a (non-deductible) gift to this fund, you can do so by sending a check to Biltmore Church (include in the memo – Iurato Family Fund) and mail to 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704 or by giving through the secure link: https://my.biltmorechurch.com/iurato

Services

Memorial Service: July 18, 2021 3:00 pm

Room: Chapel

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2021-07-18 15:00:00 2021-07-18 15:00:00 Robert "Bob"AnthonyIuratoMemorial Service Memorial Service 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

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Visitation: July 17, 2021 5:00 pm - June 30, 2025 7:00 pm

Room: Chapel

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2021-07-17 17:00:00 2025-06-30 07:00:00 Robert "Bob"AnthonyIuratoVisitation Visitation 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Robert "Bob" Anthony Iurato 's name.

Iurato Family Fund

35 Clayton Road
Arden, NC 28704

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  1. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. I have only known Bob for a short period of time thru his Business “Iurato Pizzeria”, however I will always remember his upbeat personality and the conversations we always had about Hackensack, NJ. He was a type of guy that never met a stranger. My thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Bob Iurato, you will be missed.

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  2. Dearest Lexi. So very sorry to hear of your dads passing. May you find some comfort and peace with your family and friends. Keeping you and your sister in our prayers.

    Eoin and Lucy Smyth. I’m just a phone call away.

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  4. When I think of Bob one word comes to mind Strength. I am deeply saddened and shocked by his passing my heart goes out to his daughters and family. I have known and worked with Bob for a long time. Bob you are missed my friend!!!

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  6. I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by Bobby’s sudden passing. I am his 1st cousin and had lost contact with him for many years until just a few months ago. One thing for sure is that regardless of how long it’s been, he never lost the warmth he generated with his beaming smile and welcoming vibe he had always even as a small boy. The family is so very heartbroken for his girls. Prayers, thoughts, blessings and love to Lexi and Maddie

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  7. The world and our community has lost one of the best. Bob was a warm, kind person and had a genuine interest in others. I am sad for my dear friend, Michele Nelson Steppe, and for his daughters and all of his family. I have known Bob for several years during his time at the Biltmore, and whenever I came to his new restaurant he was sincerely happy to see me. He is gone too soon and will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched in his special “Bob” way.

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  9. Maddie, We were so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful man and so full of life. We never saw him without a smile. Our prayers are with you, Lexi and your family.

    Marcus and Shawna

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  10. I knew Bob from the Bistro at Biltmore and have worked with Michelle. Words do not adequately reflect the sympathy and loss the family is experiencing. Keep looking up for strength.

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  11. Our sweet Lexie and Maddie! Our hearts go out to you today! I will always remember the smile your Dad always had for everyone and his outgoing personality.
    You girls both share this with him. We love you and praying for you both.

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  12. Sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man and always brought a smile to my face. I had many fond conversations with him Friday at the pizza shop. Gone but not forgotten, he will be missed.

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  13. Mike and I are so sorry for your loss, we are praying for the family and his sweet girls during this difficult time.

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  15. Madison and Lexi we are so sorry for your loss. We love you guys so much and our hearts truly break for you. You both have been so wonderful to our family and we love you so much.
    Love,
    Damien, Beth, Trinity, Sadie, & Railey

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  16. We are so saddened and heartbroken of the terrible news of Bobs passing. Will cherish the memories of his smiling face every single time we saw him! We will be praying for you, Madison and Lexi, for peace for the both of you. I just keep thinking about what it must have been like for him to be reunited with your mom Tracy. You will have amazing angels with you both always! God Bless you!
    Love, Kevin, Shawnna, Cooper and Colson Graham

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  17. My sister just found Bobby’s (as we knew him) obituary online. He and I were childhood friends in Hackensack – often playing pick-up baseball games or bowling at Bowler City in our youth. Bobby was a friendly and outgoing person, fun to be with. Although he and I lost touch many years ago, I want to belatedly send my sympathies to his family for for their loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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